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Battles of Ichi-no-tani and Yashima, from the Tale of the Heike

Battles of Ichi-no-tani and Yashima, from the Tale of the Heike exhibition

Battles of Ichi-no-tani and Yashima, from the Tale of the Heike

High-resolution facsimiles

Material
printed, gold on washi paper
Period of creation
Tsuzuri Project Stage 11 2017–2018
Recipient
Tokyo National Museum(National Institutes for Cultural Heritage)

Original

Historical era
Edo (17th century)
Material
ink, color, and gold on washi paper
Medium
Pair of six-fold screens
Size
Each screen H155.4 × W373.8 cm
Collection
British Museum

Description

The Tale of the Heike, which depicts the splendor and downfall of the Heike family, is well-known across Japan as it was recited by minstrels to their own accompaniment on the Japanese lute, ever since the tale was written. Because of its popularity, many paintings on folding screens based on this theme were produced from the end of the Muromachi period to the beginning of the Edo period. This work depicts the “Battle of Ichi-no-tani” on the right panel, in which Genji troops led by Minamoto no Yoshitsune made a sneak attack, causing the Heike clan to flee to Yashima in 1184. The left panel shows the “Battle of Yashima”, in which Minamoto no Yoshitsune raids the Heike again the following year, in 1185, and chases them out to sea. The combination of the Battles of Ichi-no-tani and Yashima is typical among drawings of the Genpei War, and both screens are characterized by faithful depictions of the anecdotes such as “Hiyodorigoe no Sakaotoshi” (The Descent from Hiyodori Pass) and Nasu no Yoichi‘s “Ogi no Mato”(Feat of Shooting a Fan with his Arrow), from the pairings of military commanders to the costumes. Although the artist who produced this work is unknown, it is believed to be a leading artist with credible screen layout capabilities and detailed descriptive powers.

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How the Works Are Created

How the Works Are Created

This section introduces the production process of high resolution facsimiles by combining Canon’s latest imaging technology and the authentic craftsmanship of Kyoto in the Tsuzuri Project.

About the Tsuzuri Project

About the Tsuzuri Project

This section shares the significance and passion behind the Tsuzuri Project and how we utilize the high resolution facsimiles of precious cultural assets, which are designated as national treasures and important cultural assets, and Japanese artworks that have left Japan.